christmas playlist

Those who know me well know that I'm a little crazy when it comes to Christmas music. I start listening to it in mid-October and am always a little sad when January rolls around and my favorite radio station stops playing holiday jams. I love everything from the classics by Bing to the more modern (gasp) Justin Bieber "Mistletoe". I blame this infatuation on my parents, as they're the holliest and jolliest Christmas music fanatics I know. There are worse things to be, right? Nothing wrong with spreading a little holiday cheer!

My Mom snapped these pictures of Bear and I over Thanksgiving on Zach's family farm. Bear thought the cotton was marshmallows, and he was pretty amazed.

And now to the good stuff! I've posted this list for several years now, adding to and tweaking it much more than necessary. There are so many more songs I could list, but these are my current favorites.

1. All I Want for Christmas is You- Mariah Carey
Often overplayed, yet still list-worthy. Best enjoyed while sliding across the living room floor in fuzzy socks, singing into a hairbrush.

2. It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas- Michael Buble
I tend to lean toward the classics, but Michael does this one so well. Plus, he looks really, really good while singing it.

3. White Christmas- Bing Crosby
No explanation necessary. Should be the official Christmas Anthem.

4. Marshmallow World- Dean Martin & Frank Sinatra
So good on so many levels; gotta love the Rat Pack. Lighthearted and silly, but also dangerously addicting. Beware: this can and will get stuck in your head for days.

5. Baby, It's Cold Outside- Lady Antebellum
Just the right amount of country while still staying true to the song's playful duet style.

6. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree- Brenda Lee
Turn it up while putting up the tree...putting up dishes...putting up laundry...basically while doing anything where dancing a little jig and singing entirely too loud can be involved.

7. Carol of the Bells- Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Not much into instrumentals, but this one is amazing. Heard it in concert a few years ago and almost busted both my eardrums (in the best way possible).

8. Christmas in Killarney- Bing Crosby
My Dad's all-time favorite, so it needs to be on the list. Plus, it's ridiculously catchy.

9. Wonderful Christmas Time- Paul McCartney
Been obsessed with Sir Paul pretty much my entire life....been obsessed with this song almost as long.

10. Linus and Lucy- Vince Guaraldi
Anyone else love Charlie Brown Christmas? This is another one that'll make you do a little jig. Just don't watch The Weather Channel too much during the month of December...they wear this one out.

11. That's Christmas to Me- Pentatonix
This has to be my most-played so far this season. Zach and I used to watch Pentatonix on The Sing-Off and we've been big fans ever since.

12. My Only Wish (this year)- Britney Spears
Not ashamed to admit I've followed Britney since the beginning of her career, so naturally I love her version of this sweet Christmas song.

13. Winter Wonderland- Tony Bennett
Oh I just love it so much, I'm listening to it right now as I type this.

14. Santa Claus is Comin' to Town- Frank Sinatra
Frank's voice is perfect for this song (and every other song ever written), plus the jazzy swing makes this tune even more catchy than the original version.

15. Sleigh Ride- The Ronettes
This was my favorite Christmas song growing up; I'd always get so excited when it came on the radio and my Dad would blare it for me.

16. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas- Sam Smith
I'll be honest and say that I'm not a huge Sam Smith fan (his songs make me sad!). When I heard his version of this one, though, I instantly had chills.

17. Mistletoe- Justin Bieber
Also not much of a "Belieber" (sorry, girls!), but this song is worth adding to your playlist. Just don't torture yourself with the music video.

18. O Come All Ye Faithful- Nat King Cole
Such a beautiful rendition of this hymn that I remember singing at so many Christmas Eve candlelight church services.

19. Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!- Dean Martin
One of the most played Christmas songs, and for good reason. When you grow up in Texas, wishing for snow in December is the norm.

20. Last Christmas- Taylor Swift
If I'm feeling a little Scroogey, this song instantly gets me in the Christmas spirit. Even though it's kind of a "get even" break-up song, it's super catchy and fun.

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I had good intentions of making a home-cooked meal tonight, but it's looking like cereal #forthewin (Bear will get leftover chicken and broccoli, don't worry). Happy Hump Day!
xo, Britt